Suspected terrorists have abducted 14 students of an Islamic school in Pandogari, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, following an attack on a farm where the victims were harvesting maize.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, October 31, 2026, when the students accompanied their Islamic teacher to work on his farm.
Reports indicated that the attackers stormed the farmland and took the students away alongside their teacher.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident on Monday, dismissing earlier reports that as many as 50 students had been kidnapped.
The police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, stated that 14 students were abducted and disclosed that a joint security operation had commenced to rescue the victims.
According to Abiodun, the attack occurred at about 12:30 pm on October 31, when suspected bandits invaded Tungan-Bako village in Rafi Local Government Area.
He explained that preliminary reports showed that the victims were students of an Islamiya school who were assisting their Mallam with maize harvesting when the attackers struck.
The police spokesperson assured residents that security operatives were working to secure the release of the abducted students, adding that further developments would be communicated.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Vatsa, spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, criticised Governor Mohammed Bago over what he described as the state government’s inadequate response to worsening insecurity.
Vatsa accused the governor of concentrating on political activities while residents continued to face threats to their safety.
He also raised concerns over the alleged lack of operational vehicles and other essential equipment for security agencies in the state, arguing that the situation was weakening their ability to respond effectively to attacks.
According to him, the government had continued to issue statements condemning attacks and sympathising with affected families without taking sufficient practical measures to address the security challenges.
He called for more concrete action to protect residents and prevent further kidnappings across the state.
Source: Punch
